Image communication apparatus with enhanced utilization of cpu

ABSTRACT

An ink jet printer function and other facsimile functions are controlled by one CPU. Specifically, the CPU performs a recording process and other FAX processes in time division through a task. Further, an ink remaining amount check function of an ink jet printer is performed with priority over other processes by a timer interrupt operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an image communication apparatuswhich has a recording apparatus of an ink jet recording system mountedthereon.

[0003] 2. Related Background Art

[0004]FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a constitutional embodiment ofa conventional facsimile apparatus.

[0005] As shown in the figure, the conventional facsimile apparatus withan ink jet recording apparatus mounted thereon comprises a systeminvolving a facsimile unit (containing CPU, ROM and RAM) and a systeminvolving a printer unit (containing CPU, ROM and RAM), both systemsbeing connected through a Centronics interface (I/F) provided as areceptacle on the printer side.

[0006] Therefore, both systems have many components duplicated, withboth powers not fully exploited up to their capabilities, resulting inbad cost performance. Further, a greater area is occupied by electricalparts of the facsimile apparatus, which impedes the miniaturization ofthe apparatus.

[0007] A system configuration of FIG. 27 will be described below.

[0008] In FIGS. 27, 21 to 35 show a system on the facsimile side,wherein a CPU 21 comprises a microprocessor, and controls, in accordancewith a program stored in a ROM 22, the whole of the facsimile systemincluding a RAM 23, a non-volatile RAM 24, a character generator (CG)25, a reader 30, a modem unit 31, a network control unit (NCU) 32, aconsole unit 27, and a display unit 26.

[0009] The RAM 23 stores binary image data read by the reader 30 orbinary image data to be printed by the printer, coded image datamodulated by the modem unit 31 for output to a telephone line 33 via theNCU 32, and coded image data demodulated from analog waveform signalinput through the telephone line 33 via the NCU 32 and the modem unit31. The non-volatile RAM 24 can securely store data to be saved (e.g.,abbreviated dial number) even when the electric power is shut off.

[0010] The character generator 25 is a ROM storing therein characters ofJIS code or ASCII code to generate character data corresponding to apredetermined code, as required, under the control of the CPU 21. Thischaracter data is developed into image data for facsimile to be used inthe communications or recording.

[0011] The reader 30 comprises a DMA controller, an image processing IC,an image sensor, and a CMOS logic IC, to binarize data read by the useof a contact-type image sensor (CS) under the control of the CPU 21, andto send its binarized data successively to the RAM 23.

[0012] Note that the set state of an original on the reader 30 can bedetected by an original detector using a photosensor provided on theconveying passageway of the original.

[0013] The modem unit 31, which comprises G3, G2 modems and a clockgeneration circuit connected to these modems, modulates coded transmitdata stored in the RAM 23, under the control of the CPU 21, for outputto the telephone line 33 via the NCU 32.

[0014] Also, the modem unit 31 has an analog signal from the telephoneline 33 input via the NCU 32, which signal is then demodulated andstored as coded receive data in the RAM 23.

[0015] The NCU 32 switches the telephone line 33 to connect to the modem31 or a telephone set 34 under the control of the CPU 21. Also, the NCU32 has means for detecting a call signal (CI), and sends an incomingsignal to the CPU 21 when the call signal is detected.

[0016] The telephone set 34 is one integral with this facsimileapparatus, specifically composed of a handset, a speech network, adialer, a ten key and a one-touch key. The console unit 27 comprises akey for starting the transmission and receive of image, a mode selectionkey for specifying the operation mode such as fine, standard, automaticreceive at the transmission or receive time, and a ten key or one-touchkey for the dialing.

[0017] The display unit 26 comprises an LCD module which is acombination of a 7-segment LCD for clock indication, a pictograph LCDfor the indication of various modes, and a dot matrix LCD capable ofdisplay with 5×7 dots in 16 digits×1 row, and LEDs.

[0018] A resolution converter 29 converts binary data as sent from thereader 30 and then stored in the RAM 23, or received raw data as storedin the RAM 23 via the telephone line 33, the NCU 32 and the modem unit31 and then decoded, from 8 dots/mm to a recording resolution of 360dpi.

[0019] A CODEC unit 28 is a circuit for assisting the CPU 21 in decodingthe received coded data, or coding raw data to be transmitted, composedof an RL (run length)/raw data conversion circuit, and a row data/RLconversion circuit.

[0020] A Centronics I/F 35 is an interface for passing print data to theprinter or detecting the printer status, which corresponds to aCentronics I/F 41 on the printer side.

[0021] On the other hand, 36 to 43 is a system on the printer side,wherein a CPU 36, which comprises a microprocessor, controls the wholeof the printer system comprising a RAM 38, a character generator (CG)39, a print controller 42, an H-V converter 43, the Centronics I/F 41,and a display unit 40 in accordance with a program stored in a ROM 37.

[0022] The H-V converter 43 operates to prepare data in a main scandirection which extends transversely, by the number of lines a equal tothe number of nozzles a for an ink jet head, to take out data at thesame dot position in those lines in a sub-scan direction by the numberof data a, and to rearrange them in the order of data to be supplied tothe head, to obtain data to be supplied to the head which is necessaryat the time of actual recording.

[0023] The Centronics I/F 41 operates to receive data from theCentronics I/F 35 and stores it in the RAM 38, or return the printerstatus to the FAX or an external host (not shown), upon an instructionfrom the CPU 36.

[0024] The print controller 42 sends out print data H-V converted andthen stored in the RAM 38 to the print head of the ink jet printer.

[0025] The character generator 39 storing font data therein, develops afont in accordance with a character code from the external host, when aswitch circuit 44 changes over to select the external host. The displayunit 40 includes an LED for indicating the state of printer.

[0026]FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of aconventional recording system as above described. Note that M01 to M06in the figure each indicate a specific area of memory.

[0027] First, at S01, the recording RL data in M01 (RAM 23) is convertedinto raw data by an RL/raw conversion circuit within the CODEC unit 28,and transferred by DMA (direct memory access) to M02 (RAM 23). Next, atS02, the recording raw data is transferred by DMA to the resolutionconverter 29 to convert the resolution in the main scan direction from 8dot/mm to 360 dpi.

[0028] The converted data is transferred by DMA to M03 (RAM 23). Then,data is overwritten on M03 to append command data to the top and end ofdata of one line and obtain raster data with command. Then, its data issent by DMA to the Centronics I/F 35, then via the switch circuit 44 tothe Centronics I/F 41, and further sent by DMA to a receive buffer ofM04 (RAM 38).

[0029] Then, the CPU 36 analyzes a command stored in the receive buffer,recognizes the top and end of line, and transfers image data with thecommand removed to a raster buffer M05 (RAM 38). Then, data of M05 issent to the H-V converter 43 at S07 for H-V conversion, after which datais sent to a print buffer of M06 (RAM 38). Then, its data is sent by DMAin succession to the print controller 42 for supply to the print head.

[0030] However, the above conventional system has the followingdrawbacks.

[0031] 1) Since a facsimile system and a printer system are separatelyprovided, there are many duplicate blocks, resulting in bad costperformance as compared as to the attained functions, as totallyconsidered.

[0032] 2) With the great scale of circuit, the apparatus becomes large.

[0033] 3) As the printer system is connected via Centronics I/F, arecording signal on the facsimile side must be converted fortransmission into a form conforming to this interface, thus needing anadditional block for adapting to Centronics I/F.

[0034] 4) As the printer system is connected via Centronics I/F, arecording signal on the facsimile side must be converted fortransmission into a form conforming to this interface, thus taking moretime in recording on the facsimile side.

[0035] As another embodiment of such facsimile apparatus, there isprovided one constituted as shown in FIG. 29 to effect fast processing,as described, for embodiment, in Japanese Laid-Open Patent ApplicationNo. 7-154590.

[0036] With such a constitution, however, two CPUs are required for thecontrol of facsimile and that of printer, and for the image memory, atleast two buffers are required for the facsimile and the printer,resulting in a large apparatus with higher price. Also, a separate workarea is required for each of the CPUs. Further, there is a loss area ineach memory which is used for neither the image buffer nor the workarea.

[0037] Also, this apparatus has the following drawback, because theprinter is a shuttle system of ink jet type even if the apparatus issimply realized with one CPU or one memory. That is, since the printeris required to effect complex, fast processing to drive the carriage forink jet at high speed, it is difficult to receive or decode image datain real time during the operation of printer.

[0038] Similarly, it is also difficult to operate the printer at highspeed during the receiving or decoding of image data.

[0039] Also, in order to detect whether or not received image has beennormally recorded, it is conventionally common practice to confirmwhether a predetermined mark can be recorded at a predetermined positionon the recording sheet, or whether a discharge of the ink can be sensedby discharging the ink at a predetermined position. However, because ofvery heavy processing loads for recording or receiving, it is difficultto determine whether the recording is normally performed at anappropriate timing during the recording.

[0040] Also, in order to determine whether the image has been normallyrecorded, a method of detection using a photosensor is well known, butit is required to control the timing of turning on a light source tomake a detection, after the output of light source became stable, whichis complex.

[0041] Also, if the light source is lit up, even when it is unnecessary,it is subjected to severe aging deterioration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The present invention has been achieved in the light of theaforementioned drawbacks, and its object is to provide an improved imagecommunication apparatus.

[0043] Further, an object of the present invention is to provide animage communication apparatus which is inexpensive, small and capable offast processing.

[0044] Further, it is another object of the present invention to providean image communication apparatus which can readily and rapidly performthe transfer of data to a printer unit and the recording operation.

[0045] It is a further object of the invention to provide an imagecommunication apparatus which can commonly use a memory for both animage communication unit and a recorder.

[0046] It is a still further object of the invention to provide an imagecommunication apparatus which can perform a recording process and areceiving process in real time at high speed, the received data beingrecorded using a recording head of shuttle type.

[0047] It is another object of the invention to provide an imagecommunication apparatus which can detect the presence or absence ofconsumable goods such as the ink at optimal timings.

[0048] It is another object of the invention to provide an imagecommunication apparatus which can prevent aging deterioration of meansfor detecting the presence or absence of consumable goods such as theink to the utmost.

[0049] The above and other objects of the invention will be moreapparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a facsimile apparatus in anembodiment of the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of a recording systemin a first embodiment of the invention.

[0052]FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of a recording systemin a second embodiment of the invention.

[0053]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of aresolution conversion and command addition unit in the first embodiment.

[0054]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the copying operation in a thirdembodiment of the invention.

[0055]FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing how the task control of CPU isperformed in each of the above embodiments.

[0056]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimileapparatus in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057]FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a DRAM.

[0058]FIG. 9 comprised of FIGS. 9A and 9B shows a diagram illustratingthe details of the facsimile apparatus as shown in FIG. 7.

[0059]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the facsimile apparatus asshown in FIG. 7.

[0060]FIG. 11 is a view showing the construction of an ink cartridge.

[0061]FIG. 12 is a control flowchart of the facsimile apparatus as shownin FIG. 7.

[0062]FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a starting factor monitor task.

[0063]FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an receiving interrupt process.

[0064]FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a receiving task.

[0065]FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a decoding task.

[0066]FIG. 17 comprised of FIGS. 17A and 17B shows a flowchartillustrating an image recording task.

[0067]FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a recording control task.

[0068]FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a motor control task.

[0069]FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a carriage control task.

[0070]FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a paper feeding task.

[0071]FIG. 22 is a chart showing the variation of carriage moving speed.

[0072]FIG. 23 is a view showing the liquid level of ink within thecartridge during the movement of carriage.

[0073]FIG. 24 is a view showing the liquid level of ink within thecartridge during the movement of carriage.

[0074]FIG. 25 comprised of FIGS. 25A and 25B shows a flowchartillustrating an ink check process.

[0075]FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an ink exhaustion process.

[0076]FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a constitutional embodiment ofa conventional facsimile apparatus.

[0077]FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of arecording system in the above conventional embodiment.

[0078]FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing another configuration of aconventional facsimile apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0079]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimileapparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] A CPU 1 comprises a microprocessor, and controls, in accordancewith a program stored in a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a non-volatile RAM 4, acharacter generator (CG) ROM 5, a reader 10, a print controller 16, amodem unit 11, a network control unit (NCU) 12, a console unit 7, adisplay unit 6, a CODEC unit 8, a resolution converter 9, an H-Vconverter 15, and a Centronics I/F 17.

[0081] The RAM 3 stores binary image data read by the reader 10 orbinary image data to be printed by the printer controller 16, as well ascoded image data modulated by the modem unit 11 for output to atelephone line 13 via the NCU 12, and coded image data demodulated fromanalog waveform signal input through the telephone line 13 via the NCU12 and the modem unit

[0082] The non-volatile RAM 4 can securely store data to be saved (e.g.,abbreviated dial number) even when the electric power is shut off.

[0083] The ROM 5 stores the characters of JIS code or ASCII code, fromwhich a character data corresponding to a predetermined code is readout, as required, under the control of the CPU 1.

[0084] The reader 10 is composed of a DMA controller, an imageprocessing IC, an image sensor, and a CMOS logic IC, to binarize dataread by the use of a contact-type image sensor (CS) under the control ofthe CPU 1, and to send its binarized data successively to the RAM 3.

[0085] Note that the set state of an original on the reader 10 can bedetected by an original detector using a photosensor provided on theconveyance passageway of the original.

[0086] The print controller 16, which is composed of a DMA controller,an ink jet recording apparatus, and a CMOS logic IC, reads out recorddata stored in the RAM 3 under the control of the CPU 1 and prints itfor output as a hard copy.

[0087] The modem unit 11, which is composed of G3, G2 modems and a clockgeneration circuit connected to these modems, modulates coded transmitdata stored in the RAM 3 under the control of the CPU 1 and outputs itto the telephone line 13 via the NCU 12. Also, the modem unit 11 has ananalog signal input from the telephone line 13 via the NCU 12, whichsignal is demodulated and stored as coded receive data in the RAM 3.

[0088] The NCU 12 switches the telephone line 13 to connect to eitherthe modem unit 11 or the telephone set 14 under the control of the CPU1. Also the NCU 12 has means for detecting a call signal (CI), and sendsan incoming signal to the CPU 1 when the call signal is detected.

[0089] The telephone set 14 is one integral with a facsimile apparatus,specifically composed of a handset, a speech network, a dialer, a tenkey and a one-touch key.

[0090] The Centronics I/F 7 comprises a key for starting thetransmission and receiving of image, a mode selection key for specifyingthe operation mode such as fine, standard, automatic receive at thetransmission or receiving time, and a ten key or one-touch key for thedialing.

[0091] The display unit 6 comprises an LCD module which is a combinationof a 7-segment LCD for the indication of clock, a pictograph LCD for theindication of various modes, and a dot matrix LCD capable of displaywith 5×7 dots in 16 digits×1 row, and LEDs.

[0092] The CODEC unit 8 is a circuit for assisting the CPU 21 indecoding the coded data, or encoding the raw data. This CODEC unit 8 iscomposed of a raw data/RL (run length) conversion circuit, and a RL/rawdata conversion circuit.

[0093] The resolution converter 9 converts binary data as sent from thereader and the saved in the RAM 3, or raw data as decoded by the CPU 1,using the CODEC unit 8 from received coded data saved in the RAM 3 viathe telephone line 13, the NCU 12 and the modem unit 11, from 8 dot/mmto a resolution of 360 dpi for recording. This resolution converter 9converts the resolution only in a main scan direction, to store thusconverted data in the RAM 3.

[0094] The H-V converter 15 operates to prepare data in the main scandirection which extends transversely, by the number of lines a equal tothe number of nozzles a for an ink jet head, to take out data at thesame dot position on the lines in a sub-scan direction, by the number ofdata a, and to rearrange them in the order of data to be supplied to thehead, to obtain data to be supplied to the head which is necessary atthe actual recording. The Centronics I/F 17 is connected via aCentronics cable 18 to an external host computer, to store data from thehost computer in the RAM 3 or send back the status of facsimileapparatus or data to the host computer.

[0095] In this embodiment, conventional two systems are integrated,wherein the CPU 1 is required to perform the operation of facsimile andthat of printer at the same time, and has the greatest load when theprinter is operating. Thus, in integrating two systems, the CPU 1 isswitched between the facsimile task and the printer task under the taskcontrol.

[0096]FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing how the CPU 1 performs the taskcontrol.

[0097] In FIG. 6, the printer and the facsimile are switched at an equalinterval during the printing. However, on other operations, the printertask is configured to exit in a shorter time, and in practice the CPU issubstantially occupied by the FAX although the printer task is switchedon at a certain interval.

[0098]FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of a recording systemin a first embodiment of the present invention. Note that M11 to M14each indicate a specific area within a memory (RAM 3). Also, S11 to S15each indicate a step on the operation. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showingthe configuration of a resolution conversion and command addition unitin this embodiment.

[0099] First, M11 stores recording RL data. A memory 51 of FIG. 6corresponds to it. Herein, considering the processing of one line, aswitch 54 is first connected to the lower side for a raw dataparallel/serial converter 53, so that the CPU 1 passes command data tothe raw data parallel/serial converter 53. This command data is directlyconverted from parallel to serial form, and passed through the switch 54to the resolution converter 55. For the command, the resolutionconverter 55 is set at equal magnification, wherein the command data isdirectly converted from serial to parallel form again, passed via theDMA controller 57 and sent by DMA to a receive buffer M12.

[0100] Then, the switch 54 is set to the RL/raw converter 52, whereinimage RL data of one line is transferred from the memory 51 to theRL/raw converter 52 within the CODEC 8 for parallel/serial conversion aswell as conversion into the raw data. And its data is sent via theswitch 54 to the resolution converter 55 for multiplied conversion from8 dot/mm to 360 dpi.

[0101] And it is serial-to-parallel converted in the serial/parallelconverter 56, passed via the DMA controller 57, and sent by DMA to thereceive buffer M12. Thereafter, the switch 54 is connected to the lowerside for the raw data parallel/serial converter 53 again, so that theCPU 1 sends the command data to the raw data parallel/serial converter53. The command data is directly parallel-to-serial converted, and sentthrough the switch 54 to the resolution converter 55.

[0102] For the command, the resolution converter 55 is set at equalmagnification, whereby the command is directly serial-to-parallelconverted, passed via the DMA controller 57, and sent by DMA to thereceive buffer M12. With the above, the processing of one line is ended.Similarly, RL data of a plurality of lines are transferred to M12.

[0103] Then, the CPU 1 analyzes the command at S13, and transfers onlyimage data to the raster buffer M13. Thereafter, the CPU 1 H-V convertsdata of M13 in the H-V converter 15 at S14, and sends data suitable forthe print head to the print buffer of M14. Then, its data is sent by DMAto the print controller 16, and modified to a print head signal at S15for printing by means of the print head.

[0104] With the above constitution, the following effects can beprovided.

[0105] 1) The number of data transfers between memory and logic in theoperation of recording system can be significantly decreased, therebyattaining high speed printing in the facsimile apparatus.

[0106] 2) The capability of CPU can be fully exploited, despite theintegration of two systems, whereby a system with high cost performancecan be provided without degrading the performance of the apparatus.

[0107] A second embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow.

[0108] Note that this second embodiment has the same configuration asthe first embodiment (FIG. 1, FIG. 4), and also the same task control ofthe CPU as the first embodiment (FIG. 6).

[0109]FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of a recording systemin this second embodiment.

[0110] First, the switch 54 of FIG. 4 is connected to the side of RL/rawdata converter 52 when M21 is RL data. The recording RL data of M21corresponding to the memory 51 is sent to the RL/raw data converter 52at S21 for conversion, then sent via the switch 54 to the resolutionconverter 55 (capable of equal to double magnification) for resolutionconversion, serial-to-parallel converted in the serial/parallelconverter 56, and transferred via the DMA controller 57 to the memory 58or the raster buffer M22. Thereafter, the data is H-V converted at S23,and stored in the print buffer M23. Its data is sent by DMA to the printcontroller 16 at S24 for printing.

[0111] Also, when M21 is recording raw data (direct copy mode), theswitch 54 is set to the side of parallel/serial converter 53. And rawdata of M21 is serial-to-parallel converted by the parallel/serialconverter 53 at S21, sent via the switch 54 to the resolution converter55 for conversion of resolution and then stored in M22 in the samemanner.

[0112] With the above configuration, the following effects are provided.

[0113] 1) The number of data transfer between memory and logic in theoperation of recording system can be significantly decreased below thatof the first embodiment, attaining high speed printing in the facsimileapparatus.

[0114] 2) The capability of CPU can be fully exploited, despite theintegration of two systems, whereby a system with high cost-performancecan be provided without degrading the performance of the apparatus.

[0115] A third embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow.

[0116] This third embodiment is a variation of the second embodiment asabove described. Note that this third embodiment has the sameconfiguration as the first embodiment (FIG. 1, FIG. 4), and the sametask control of CPU as the first embodiment (FIG. 6).

[0117] Also, the operation of recording system is similarly performed asin the second embodiment (FIG. 3). And this third embodiment isdifferent from the second embodiment in that the recording raw data isprocessed in direct copy mode.

[0118]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the copying operation in this thirdembodiment.

[0119] First, the switch 54 of FIG. 4 is connected to the side of RL/rawdata converter 52 when M21 is RL data.

[0120] The recording RL data of M21 corresponding to the memory 51 issent to the RL/raw data converter 52 at S21 for conversion, then sentvia the switch 54 to the resolution converter 55 for resolutionconversion, serial-to-parallel converted in the serial/parallelconverter 56, and transferred via the DMA controller 57 to the memory 58or the raster buffer M22. Thereafter, the data is H-V converted at S23,and stored in the print buffer M23. Its data is sent by DMA to the printcontroller 16 at S24 for printing.

[0121] Also, for the recording raw data M31 (direct copy mode), no blockof FIG. 6 is used, and an analog video signal input from CS(contact-type image sensor) at S31 is converted from analog to digitalform at S32, and converted from 8 dot/mm of pixel to 360 dpi at multiplemagnification, so that binary image data subjected to an imageprocessing, such as an error diffusion process is sent out serially.

[0122] At S33, its data is serial-to-parallel converted, and transferredby DMA to a raw data area of M31. Thereafter, its data is transferred byDMA to a recording raster buffer of M32, and converted from horizontalto vertical form by the H-V converter 15 and sent to a print buffer ofM33, and further sent by DMA to the print controller 16 for printing.Herein, M22 and M32, and M23 and M33 are the same areas within thememory.

[0123] With the above configuration, the following effects are provided.

[0124] 1) The number of data transfers between memory and logic in theoperation of recording system can be significantly decreased below thatthe first embodiment, attaining high speed printing in the facsimileapparatus.

[0125] 2) Further, by bypassing the resolution converter in the directcopy mode, the transfer of read raw data in the print controller can bemade faster than in the second embodiment.

[0126] 3) The capability of CPU can be fully exploited, despite theintegration of two systems, whereby a system with high cost performancecan be provided without degrading the performance of the apparatus.Also, the circuit dimensions can be almost halved, resulting in thesmaller apparatus.

[0127] A facsimile apparatus in another embodiment of the presentinvention will be described below.

[0128]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the presentinvention.

[0129] Numeral 101 denotes a CPU composed of a microprocessor forcontrolling the whole of the facsimile apparatus of this invention.

[0130] Numeral 102 denotes a ROM having a capacity of 8 Mb for storing acontrol program or a process program which the CPU 101 executes. Numeral103 denotes a RAM having a capacity of 4 Mb for use as an image bufferarea for storing the image for FAX transmission or receiving or theimage which has been read in copying, an image buffer area for recordingwhich is used for the recording process, and a work area for use whenthe CPU 101 executes a control program or process program. Numeral 104denotes a non-volatile memory having a capacity of 64 Kb composed of aDRAM, an SRAM or an E² PROM equipped with a backup electric power sourceto allow the information to be kept in memory even if the power supplyfrom a power source unit, not shown, is shut off.

[0131] Numeral 105 denotes a display unit or console unit having akeyboard and a liquid crystal panel.

[0132] Numeral 106 denotes a one-chip microcomputer for panel to managethe information to be displayed on the display unit or informationoperated on the console unit, or communicate the display and consoleinformation to the CPU 101.

[0133] Numeral 107 denotes a recorder for performing the recording bymeans of a recording head of ink jet system. Numeral 108 denotes areader for reading the image.

[0134] Numeral 109 denotes an interface for connection to an externalinformation processing terminal, comprised of a bi-centronics interface.Numeral 110 denotes a multifunction gate array for the interface to theexternal information processing terminal or performing the imageprocessing. Numeral 111 denotes a modem unit, numeral 112 a networkcontrol unit (NCU), and numeral 113 a telephone set.

[0135] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown the configuration of DRAM103 in greater detail. Numeral 201 denotes an image buffer area having acapacity of 256 KB for use in sending and receiving the image. In theimage buffer 201, the image is managed in units of 4 KB.

[0136] Numeral 202 denotes a buffer for storing the run-length data,with a capacity of a total of five lines, including two lines (about 17KB) for each of encoding and decoding, and one line for recording.Numeral 203 denotes a receive buffer having a capacity of 64 KB fortemporarily storing received image or copied image which has beenconverted into the dot image, or a print command received from theexternal information processing terminal not shown via the externalinterface 109. Numeral 204 denotes a raster buffer having a capacity of8 lines (about 4 KB).

[0137] If this raster buffer 204 has stored data of 8 lines, the datafrom the left end of the raster buffer 204 is successively sent to theH-V conversion circuit 204 for H-V conversion, and transferred to eithera print buffer 1 (205) or a print buffer 2 (206). Both the print buffers1, 2 are memories having a storage capacity (about 23 KB) correspondingto the amount of data to be recorded by one scanning of the recordinghead 2, wherein one of them is used for reading (recording) data, whilethe other is used for storing data for the next scan.

[0138] The CPU 101 counts the number of H-V conversions for data of 8lines, wherein if it counts 8 times, that is, if the H-V conversion fordata of 64 lines is completed, it issues a print start signal,considering that data for one main scan been prepared, to start themovement of carriage, and the recording operation based on data storedin the print buffer 1 (205) or print buffer 2 (206). And data is sentfor every 64 dots to the recorder 107, which performs the recording bydriving the discharge heaters of the recording head 210 in accordancewith the data latched in the recorder 107. Meanwhile, data for the nextmain scan is stored in the other print buffer.

[0139]207 is a work area used by the CPU 101 to execute the program.

[0140] Herein, a variety of flags or counters for the control ofreceiving and recording, and the management of buffer, are administered:specifically, a record block present flag, a printer error flag, a blockcounter, a receive counter, a decoder counter, an RL buffer pointer, anerror check counter, a block management area, a receive buffer writeposition counter, a receive buffer read position counter, a decodecounter 2, a raster buffer counter, an H-V conversion execution counter,a print flag, an ink check flag, a scan direction flag, a carriage drivecounter, a record width counter, a carriage drive pattern area ink emptyflag, an ink exhaustion flag, a recovery times counter, an inkconsumption amount counter, and a print amount counter. In this manner,within one memory, not only the image buffers for receiving andrecording, but also a variety of flags and counters for the control ofreceiving and recording, and the management of buffer, are administered,thereby allowing the miniaturization of the apparatus.

[0141] Also, the buffer size can be optimized, with unnecessary areasreduced.

[0142] Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the system configuration ofFIG. 7 will be described in greater detail. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, likenumbers are used to indicate the same parts as in FIG. 7, and will notdescribed any more. Numeral 301 denotes an RTC which is an IC having theclock function. This clock IC 301 transmits and receives clock data toand from the one chip microcomputer 106 for panel. Based on this clockdata, the recovery operation of recording system, timer transmission andtimer polling are performed.

[0143] Numeral 302 denotes an image processing circuit for thecorrection or binarization of an image signal read by the reader 108.

[0144] Numeral 303 denotes a document reading motor for conveying theoriginal.

[0145] Numeral 109 denotes an interface (Bi-Centronecs I/F) fortransmission and receive of data to and from the external informationprocessing terminal not shown.

[0146] Numeral 304 denotes a printer driver for controlling thedischarge of ink in accordance with data in the print buffers 205, 206.

[0147] Numeral 305 denotes a driver for driving the motor conveying therecording sheet.

[0148] Numeral 306 denotes a motor for conveying the recording sheet.

[0149] Numeral 307 denotes a motor driver for driving the motorconveying the ink jet print head.

[0150] Numeral 308 denotes a carriage motor for conveying the ink jetprint head.

[0151] Next, the multifunction gate array 110 will be described ingreater detail.

[0152] Numeral 11001 denotes an H-V conversion circuit for H-Vconverting data within the raster buffer 204, converted data beingwritten into the print buffers 205, 206.

[0153] Numeral 11002 denotes a serial I/F for enabling data for clockdisplay to be sent to or received from the one-chip microcomputer forpanel.

[0154] Numeral 11003 denotes a port for sensors, not shown.

[0155] Numeral 11004 denotes a raw/RL converter for converting raw imagedata read by the reader 108 into RL data which is then stored in the RLbuffer 202.

[0156] Numeral 11005 denotes a serial/parallel converter for convertingimage data read by the reader 108 from serial to parallel form.

[0157] Numeral 11006 denotes an RL/raw image converter for convertingthe run-length data of received image into raw image data. The raw imagedata produced herein is transferred to the resolution converter 11008.

[0158] Numeral 11007 denotes a parallel/serial converter wherein whenimage data read by the reader 108 is copied singly, image data isconverted into parallel data at 11005, and the data stored in the imagebuffer 201 is converted into serial data again, which is thentransferred to the resolution converter 11008.

[0159] Numeral 11008 denotes a resolution converter for converting theimage having 8 pel into the image having a resolution of 360 dpi for usewith the print head.

[0160] Numeral 11009 denotes a pulse width modulation circuit forcontrolling the current amount flowing to the reading motor.

[0161] Numeral 11010 denotes a parallel I/F for connection between thebi-centronics interface 109 and the facsimile.

[0162] Numeral 11011 denotes a timer for use in executing an interruptprocessing.

[0163] Numeral 11012 denotes a DRAM controller for controlling theaccess to or refresh of DRAM.

[0164] Numeral 11013 denotes a print controller which allows a printsignal to be generated in accordance with the content of the printbuffer 205, 206.

[0165] Then, the function of CPU 101 will be described below. 10101 isan S-RAM of 1 KB which is used for the heat control of the recordingsystem requiring the fast processing, and the drive control for thecarriage.

[0166] Numeral 10102 denotes an A/D converter for A/D converting theoutput of thermistor for use in regulating the temperature within theink jet head.

[0167] Numeral 10103 denotes an interrupt processor for executing theinterrupt process upon an instruction from the timer 11011.

[0168] Numeral 10104 denotes a serial interface for enabling the displayor console information to be transmitted to or received from theone-chip microcomputer for panel 106.

[0169] Numeral 10105 denotes a soft CODEC for converting the image ofrun-length code into MMR, MR or MH code, or the coded data of MMR, MR orMH into the run-length code.

[0170] Numeral 10106 denotes a timer for the management of task.

[0171] Numeral 10107 denotes a pattern generator for generating thepattern to excite the motor such as a recording sheet conveying motor306, or a carriage driving motor 308.

[0172] Numeral 10108 denotes a PWM timer for controlling the currentamount flowing to the carriage driving motor 308.

[0173] First, the construction of a recorder in the facsimile apparatuswill be described below.

[0174] In FIG. 10, numeral 1 denotes a frame which is a main structureof the entire apparatus, and numeral 2 denotes an ASF (Auto SheetFeeder) chassis secured to the frame 1. The ASF chassis 2 is a structureof ASF unit which is loaded with a plurality of recording sheets whichare then separated one by one for the recording, and fed into therecorder. Also, numeral 3 denotes an intermediate plate, and numeral 4denotes an intermediate plate biasing spring. The intermediate plate 3is rotatably attached to the ASF chassis 2, as well as being biased in aclockwise direction as shown in the figure by the intermediate platebiasing spring 4. Numeral 5 denotes a recording sheet separation rollerwhich rotates clockwise in the figure by a drive system (not shown), andnumeral 6 denotes a transmission type sensor (hereinafter, a rollerposition sensor) for sensing the home position of the recording sheetseparation sensor 6.

[0175] Note that the position of the intermediate plate 3 as shown inFIG. 10 corresponds to a wait state where the intermediate plate 3 hasbeen rotated counterclockwise by an intermediate plate acting camportion (not shown) of the drive system and stopped therein. When thecam is out of engagement therewith, the intermediate plate can berotated clockwise to abut against the outer periphery of the recordingsheet separation roller 5. Also, the operation of the intermediate plate3 is in synchronization with a notch position of the recording sheetseparation roller 5.

[0176] Numeral 7 denotes a recording sheet conveying roller which isrotated counterclockwise by the drive system 306, and numeral 8 denotesa recording sheet conveying roll provided in contact with the outerperiphery of the recording sheet conveying roller 7 by a spring (notshown). The recording sheet conveying roller 7 and the recording sheetconveying roll 8 carry the recording sheet therebetween and convey it tothe left in the figure (hereinafter this conveying direction is referredto as a sub-scan direction). Numeral 9 denotes an ink cartridge ofreplaceable type (disposable type) containing a recording head of theink jet system and an ink tank for storing the ink integrally, andnumeral 10 denotes a carriage on which the ink cartridge 9 is detachablymounted.

[0177] By the way, a recording face of the ink cartridge 9 is on thelower side of the ink cartridge 9, wherein the head recording face isformed with a plurality of nozzles arranged in a transverse direction.In the recording operation, the ink cartridge 9 is moved in a directionorthogonal to the array of nozzles (vertical direction in the figure,which is referred to as a main scan direction), so that the recordingcan be carried out over the area of recording width by discharging theink selectively from the nozzles. Thus, the recording operation isrepeated while the recording sheet is conveyed by a recording width inthe sub-scan direction, until the recording is completed on therecording sheet (such recording system is referred to as a multi-scansystem).

[0178] Also, the carriage has an ink remaining amount sensor using areflection type photosensor to sense the ink remaining amount within theink cartridge 9. The sensing direction of this ink remaining amountsensor is substantially the same as the reciprocatory direction of theink cartridge 9, and it is needless to say that this ink remainingamount sensor is moved together with the ink cartridge 9, when thecarriage 10 is moved, because it is attached to the carriage 10. Notethat this will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

[0179] Numerals 12, 13 denote guide rails for guiding the carriage 10 toreciprocate in the main scan direction smoothly, the carriage 10 beingattached to the two rails 12, 13 to be movable in the main scandirection, and reciprocated by the drive system (not shown). Numeral 14denotes a platen, located opposite the recording head, for securing therecording sheet beneath the recording head, while keeping the distancebetween them at the recording position, numeral 15 denotes a paperejection roller, and numeral 16 denotes a paper ejection roll. The paperejection roll 16 is biased against the paper ejection roller 15 by abiasing member (not shown), carrying the recording sheet at a nipbetween the paper ejection roller 15 and the paper ejection roll 16 toexhaust the recording sheet. Numeral 17 denotes a recording sheet coverwhich is opened at a lower fulcrum when the ink cartridge 9 is replaced.

[0180] Next, the constitution of the reader of the facsimile apparatuswill be described below.

[0181] Numeral 20 denotes a reading separation roller which is rotatedcounterclockwise by the drive system (not shown) to convey a pluralityof originals that have been set, one by one, to the left as shown in thefigure, numeral 21 denotes a separation piece made of a high frictionmaterial such as a rubber, which is biased against the readingseparation roller 20 by a biasing member (not shown) to separate one byone the plurality of originals that have been set, numeral 22 denotes acontact-type line image sensor (hereinafter an image sensor) for readingan image drawn on the original and converting the informationrepresented by the image into an electrical signal, numeral 23 denotes aCS spring, and numeral 24 denotes a white CS roller which is rotatedclockwise by the drive system (not shown). Herein, the CS spring 23 isprovided to bias the image sensor 22 against the CS roller 24. Also, theCS roller 24 has the roles of placing the original into intimate contactwith the entire reading face of the image sensor 22, conveying theoriginal in a left direction, and serving as a background in reading theoriginal.

[0182] Numeral 25 denotes an original guide for guiding the lowersurface of original, which is secured to the frame 1 and also used as astructure for supporting the reader and a console panel (hereinafterdescribed), numeral 26 denotes an original guide for guiding the uppersurface of original, which is secured to the original guide 25, numeral27 denotes a console board provided with the operation switches, andnumeral 28 denotes an operation panel having the console board 27secured thereto and which is itself secured to the original guide 25.

[0183] Numeral 30 denotes a power source comprised of a powertransformer and a condenser, and numeral 31 denotes an electric controlboard for controlling the operation of overall apparatus attached to theframe 1. The electric control board 31 has connected therewith all thewires from the electrical elements or parts (image sensor 22, consoleboard 27, power source 30, ink cartridge 9, various drive motors (notshown), roller position sensor 6, sensors (not shown)). Although notexplained herein, various types of sensors provided in the reader and asensor for sensing the presence or absence of the recording sheet arepackaged in the electric control board 31, without intervention of thewire. Also, all the external interfaces (e.g., public telephone networkinterface, additional child telephone interface, external childtelephone interface, personal computer interface such as Centronics) canbe connected to the electric control board 31.

[0184]FIG. 11 is a partially broken away view showing in detail theconstitution of an ink cartridge 9. In FIG. 5, numeral 11 denotes areflection type photosensor (hereinafter referred to as a photosensor),numeral 91 denotes an ink, numeral 92 denotes a sponge, numeral 93denotes a reflection plate for reflecting light from the photosensor 11,and numeral 94 denotes a recording head. In particular, FIG. 11 showsthe state where the carriage 10 is still, and the ink cartridge 9mounted thereon is also still. Accordingly, the liquid level of the ink91 does not fluctuate, and is smooth.

[0185] As will be clear from FIG. 11, the reflection plate 93 isprovided near the bottom face of an ink vessel, and close to an inkcartridge wall face on which the photosensor 11 is installed. This isbecause by providing the reflection plate 93 near the photosensor 11,the intensity of reflected light received by the photosensor 11 isenhanced, and the S/N ratio with the ink remaining amount detection isimproved, when no ink is left. Then, it is needless to say that thespacing (for sensing) between the ink cartridge lateral face on whichthe photosensor 11 is installed and the reflection plate 93 should be aspacing (2 to 4 mm) from the relation between the surface tension of theink and the water repellency of the ink to the wall and the reflectionplate, to avoid the ink standing therein.

[0186] In this manner, even if the reflection plate 93 is provided, thespaces to the left and right of the reflection plate 93 are not separatecavities, but the reflection plate is only placed intermediately, withthe spaces for reversing the ink actually provided on both sides of thereflection plate in communication through the plate.

[0187] By the way, if the ink 91 is filled in the ink cartridge 9, thephotosensor 11 can not capture the reflected light from the reflectionplate 93, because the ink 91 intercepts the light from the photosensor11, so that the output current from the photosensor 11 becomessubstantially zero. On the contrary, if the ink cartridge 9 has no ink,the photosensor 11 can capture the reflected light from the reflectionplate 93, so that the photosensor 11 can output a current correspondingto its intensity of reflected light.

[0188] Next, the operation will be described below.

[0189] A software for controlling the operation of the present inventionis composed of the following tasks (FIG. 12). The software is storedwithin the ROM 102, and executed by the CPU 101.

[0190] This software consisting of a starting factor monitor task (601)for starting a receiving task, a receiving task (602) for receivingoperation, a decode task for decoding the received data, an imagerecording task (604) for recording the image, a recording system controltask (605) for effecting the paper feeding and the transfer of data forrecording, a motor control task (606) for controlling the recordingsystem motor, a carriage drive control task (607) for controlling thedriving of the carriage for the ink jet head, a paper feeding task (608)for feeding the recording sheet, and an ink check task (hereinafterdescribed in greater detail) under the interrupt control for every 5msec.

[0191] In this embodiment, each task is terminated every 5 msec, and thenext task to be started is executed. Thereby, the more effectiveparallel processing can be implemented.

[0192] Referring now to FIG. 13, the starting factor monitor task willbe described. The starting factor monitor task monitors the startingfactors of the receiving task and the received image recording task.

[0193] The CPU 101 determines whether there is any record block to berecorded within the image buffer 201 of the RAM 103, based on whetherthe record block flag is set in the work area 207 (701).

[0194] If no record block exists, the CPU 101 monitors the incoming callto be received (702). If there is no incoming call, this task is ended.On the other hand, if there is any incoming call, then the CPU 101determines whether data is received (703). If no data is received, thistask is ended. If data is received, the receiving task is started (704),and this task is ended.

[0195] On the other hand, if there is any record block to be recordedwithin the image buffer 201 in the RAM 103, the CPU 101 determineswhether the printer is ready for recording, based on the printer errorflag in the work area 207 (705). The conditions where the printer isready for recording are such that an ink cartridge is mounted, the inkexists within the ink cartridge, and the recording sheet cover 17 (FIG.10) is closed. If the printer is ready for recording, the CPU 101determines whether received image is recorded (706). If the receivedimage is recorded, a light source of the photosensor 11 (FIG. 11) forink check is lit up (707). The reason why the light source of thephotosensor 11 is lit up herein is that the light source should bestable at the timing of ink check, because it takes about 500 msec untilthe light source of the photosensor becomes stable. Also, if the lightsource is continuously lit up, without regard to the transmission andreceive, the light source is significantly deteriorated, and thereforethe light source is lit up, only when necessary, to assure a longer lifeof the light source. Since the light source is lit up only whennecessary, the consumption power can be reduced. When recording theimage in the copy mode or print mode in which the operator is present atthe side of the apparatus, the light source is not lit up to perform theink check, and thereby also assured to have a longer life. Herein, sincethere is a merit that the operator is rapidly informed that the ink isused up by performing the ink check in the print mode or copy mode, thesensor for ink check may be turned on in performing the recording.

[0196] If the sensor for ink check is turned on, then the imagerecording task is started (708), and this task is ended.

[0197] On the other hand, if the printer is not ready for recording(705), the memory receive task is started to accumulate the image dataarriving in the image buffer 201 within the RAM 103, because the imagecan not be recorded. The memory receive task is started, and then thisstarting factor monitor task is ended.

[0198] The starting factor monitor task is given a time of 5 msec forprocessing by the timer 10106 within the CPU 101. If the processing ofthis task is not ended after the elapse of 5 msec, the steps andvariables that have been executed are once stored in a stack area notshown within the CPU, and the next task is executed. The remainder ofthe starting factor monitor task is performed when the starting factormonitor task is given a time for processing later.

[0199] Next, the receiving operation will be described below using FIG.14.

[0200] The model 111 receives image data from the telephone line, inwhich an interruption is generated to the interrupt processor 10103 inthe CPU 101, every time received data amounts to 1B (byte). If aninterruption occurs, the CPU 101 temporarily stores data in the imagebuffer 201 within the RAM 103.

[0201] Referring now to FIG. 15, the receiving task will be described.

[0202] The receiving task is started by the starting factor monitortask. Then, the decode task is started (901) to count the number of datawithin a received block. The CPU 101 determines whether or not one block(4 KB) is full, based on a block counter in the work area 207 (902). Ifone block is full, the management information is created in a blockmanagement area in the work area 207, and the record block flag is set(903), and then the process for holding the next block (904) isperformed.

[0203] The receiving task is given a time of 5 msec for processing bythe timer 10106 within the CPU 101. If the processing of this task isnot ended after the elapse of 5 msec, the steps and variables that havebeen executed are once stored in a stack area not shown within the CPU,and the next task is executed. The remainder of the receiving task isperformed when the time for the next receiving task is allowed.

[0204] Referring now to FIG. 16, the decode task will be described. Thedecode task checks to see whether or not there is any error due tocircuit noise in the received image data by means of the soft codec10105 within the CPU 101.

[0205] First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is receiveddata of one byte within the image buffer 201, based on the content of areceive counter indicating the memory write location of received imagein the work area 207 (1001). If there is no received data of one byte,the decode task is ended. On the other hand, if there is any receiveddata of one byte, data in the image buffer 201 indicated by the receivecounter is read out and decoded into the run-length data by the softcodec 10105 (1002). Then, the CPU 101 determines whether the data of oneline has a predetermined length by accumulating the run-length data andcomparing it with the value of an error check counter within the workarea 207, and whether there is any error (1003). If there is any error,an error processing is performed by replacing the error line with dataof the previous line, or full-white data. If there is no error, or theerror processing is ended, the initial value of the decode counter inthe work area 207 is set at a value of receive counter, the decodecounter is incremented (1005), and the CPU 101 determines whether thereis any data of next byte by comparing the value of the receive counterwith that of the decode counter (1006). If there is no data of nextbyte, this task is ended. On the other hand, if there is any data ofnext byte, the same processing is repeated until the data of next bytedoes not exist.

[0206] Herein, the decoding task is given a time of 5 msec forprocessing by the timer 10106 within the CPU 101. If the processing ofthis task is not ended after the elapse of 5 msec, the steps andvariables that have been executed are once stored in a stack area notshown within the CPU, and the next task is executed. The remainder ofthe receiving task is performed when the time for the next receivingtask is allowed.

[0207] Note that the decoded data is only used for the error check, andthen discarded.

[0208] Referring now to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the image recording task willbe described. The image recording task is started by the starting factormonitor task. If the image recording task is started, then the recordingsystem control task is started (1101). Then, the image to be recorded inthe image buffer (201) within the RAM 103 is held by one block (4 KB).This is performed in accordance with the information of block managementarea within the work area 207.

[0209] Then, the CPU 101 determines whether the recording system hastroubled, based on the printer error flag (1103). This error of therecording system may be ink used up, cover 17 (FIG. 10) in opened state,no paper, paper jam, or no cartridge mounted. The sensors thereof areconnected at the port 11003 of the gate array 110.

[0210] If there is no error in the recording system, the CPU 101determines whether the receive buffer 203 within the RAM 103 is vacant,by comparing the value of the receive buffer write position counter withthat of the receive buffer read position counter (1104). If it is notvacant, the CPU 101 waits for the receive buffer to be vacant. If it isvacant, the CPU 101 determines whether the number of copies for theimage to-be recorded is only one (1105). This is performed because ifthe number of copies is only one, the image data in the image buffer 201is raw image data, and unnecessary to decode. On the other hand, if theimage is received image or the number of copies is more than one, theimage is compressed image data, and is required to decode.

[0211] If the image for output is received image for which the number ofcopies is not one, or the image for which the number of copies is morethan one, the data within the image buffer 201 is read out with thedecode counter 2 in the work area 207, and decoded into the run-lengthcode by the soft codec unit 10105 of the CPU 101 (1106). The decodedrun-length code is written successively into the run-length buffer 202pointed to by an RL buffer pointer in the work area 207.

[0212] If the run-length code is written into the run-length buffer 202after decoding of one line, or the number of copies is equal to one, theCPU 101 determines whether the decoding of one line is ended (1107). Ifthe decoding of one page is ended, or for one copy, if the buffer isfull, but not in units of page, the CPU 101 determines whether the dataof one line is full-white data (1108). If so, a white skip command isset in the parallel/serial converter 11007 of the gate array 111 (1121).On the other hand, if not, a raster image command indicating the rasterimage is set in the parallel/serial converter 11007 of the gate array111 (1109). Subsequently, the run-length code in the run-length buffer202 is set in the RL/raw image converter 11006 of the gate array 111(1110). The white skip command or raster image command set in theparallel/serial converter 11007 is passed through the resolutionconverter 11008 into the receive buffer 203 within the DRAM 103 (1111),the receive buffer write location counter being incremented. Then, theresolution converter 11008 makes no conversion for the command.Subsequently, the run-length code entered into the R/L raw imageconverter 11006 is converted into the raw image data and entered intothe resolution converter 11008. The resolution converter 11008 convertsthe received image of 8 pel into the image of 360 dpi in the main scandirection. The converted image data is transferred to the receive buffer203 (1111), the receive buffer write location counter being incremented.These processings are repeated until one block is completed (1112). Ifthere is any block to be held, the above-mentioned processings arerepeated. The block management thereof is performed in the blockmanagement area.

[0213] Herein, if any error occurs in the recording system at step 1103(1103), the recording system control task is ended (1114). Then, thememory receiving task is started (1115), and this image recording taskis ended.

[0214] At step 1107, if the end of page occurs, the record block held isreleased (1113), and image data of one page within the image buffer 201is cleared (1116). Subsequently, a page end command is set in theparallel/serial converter 11007 of the gate array 111 (1117). Thecommand set in the parallel/serial converter is passed through theresolution converter 11008 to the receive buffer 203, the receive bufferwrite location counter being increment.

[0215] Then, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the data processingfor all pages is ended, based on the content of the block managementarea (1118). If the data processing for all pages is not ended, theoperation returns to step (1102). On the other hand, if the processingfor all pages is ended, the recording control task is ended (1119).Further, the light source for the sensor 11 for ink check is turned off(1120), the image recording task is ended. Herein, the reason why thelight source for the sensor 11 for ink check is turned off is that theaging deterioration of the light source is prevented and the consumptionpower is reduced.

[0216] Herein, the image recording task is given a time of 5 msec forprocessing by the timer 10106 within the CPU 101. If the processing ofthis task is not ended after the elapse of 5 msec, the steps andvariables that have been executed are once stored in a stack area notshown within the CPU, and the next task is executed. The remainder ofthe image recording task is performed when the time for the nextreceiving task is allowed.

[0217] Referring now to FIG. 18, the recording system control task willbe described.

[0218] The recording system control task is started by the imagerecording task. If the recording system control task is started, the CPU101 first monitors the time of recovery, and subjects the ink jetrecording head 9 (FIG. 10) to recovery operation if the time since theprevious recovery operation is greater than a predefined time (1201).

[0219] The recovery operation is an operation for recovering the inkdischarge orifices which may be clogged with the dust or ink fixed dueto drying into the usable condition by sucking the ink from the outsideusing a pump.

[0220] If the recovery operation is performed, then data of one byte isread out from the receive buffer 203 (1202), the receive buffer readinglocation counter being incremented. Then, the CPU 101 determines whetheror not read data of one byte is an initial command (1203). If so, therecording sheet is fed (1207). Then, the CPU 101 determines whether ornot there is any error such as jam of recording sheet or no recordingsheet in the reader (1208). If there is any error in the recorder, theprinter error flag in the work area 207 is set (1209). This error flagis detected at step 705 of the starting factor monitor task (FIG. 13) orat step 1103 of the image recording task (FIG. 17A). If the printererror flag is set, this task is ended (1210). On the other hand, ifthere is no error, the operation returns to step 1202.

[0221] If read data of one byte is not an initial command (1203), theCPU determines whether or not it is a raster image (1204). This isdetermined based on whether or not it is a raster image command.

[0222] If it is the raster image, an image of one byte is stored in theraster buffer (1211), the receive buffer write location counter beingincremented. If it is the raster image, the image data of one byte isstored in the raster buffer 204 (1211). Herein, the work area 207, thereis provided a raster buffer counter for counting the number of linesstored in the raster buffer 204.

[0223] The CPU 101 determines whether or not the count value of theraster buffer counter reaches 8, every time data of one line is storedin the raster buffer 204 and after the raster buffer counter isincremented. The transfer of data from the receive buffer 203 to theraster buffer 204 is continued, until the count value of the rasterbuffer counter reaches 8. And if the count value of the raster buffercounter reaches 8 (1212), the transfer of data from the receive buffer203 to the raster buffer 204 is interrupted, and the data within theraster buffer 203 is H-V converted successively from the left end(1213), and the resulted data is stored in the print buffer 1 (205). Inthe work area 207 of the RAM, there is provided an H-V conversionexecution counter for counting the number of H-V conversions that havebeen executed, and the CPU 2 determines whether the count value of thiscounter reaches 8, after this counter is incremented every time H-Vconversion for the data of 8 lines is performed. The transfer of data of8 lines from the receive buffer 203 to the raster buffer 204 and fromthe raster buffer 204 to the print buffer 1 (205) is repeated, until thecount value of the H-V conversion counter reaches 8, that is, thestorage of data of 64 lines is ended (1214). Herein, since the H-Vconversion counter only needs to count a count value of not greater than8, this counting is much simpler than counting the number of data forone main scan (64×3640).

[0224] If the count value of H-V conversions reaches 8, the CPU 101starts a motor control task for recording the data at the first scanstored in the print buffer 1 (1215).

[0225] If read data of one byte is not the raster image (1204), then theCPU determines whether or not it is a white skip command (1205). If itis the white skip command, the address (raster buffer counter) of theraster buffer 204 for storing the image data is shifted by one line(1206). And it is checked whether data of 8 lines is prepared in theraster buffer 204.

[0226] At step 1205, if the data is not the white skip command, it isdetermined whether or not it is a page end command (1217). If it is thepage end command, the H-V conversion of image data remaining in theraster buffer 204 is performed at step 1213, because the transfer ofimage data of one page is ended, and the above-described processings arerepeated. If it is not the page end command, the operation returns tostep 1202.

[0227] Herein, the recording system control task is given a time of 5msec for processing by the timer 10106 within the CPU 101. If theprocessing of this task is not ended after the elapse of 5 msec, thesteps and variables that have been executed are once stored in a stackarea not shown within the CPU, and the next task is executed. Theremainder of this task is performed when the time for the next receivingtask is allowed.

[0228] Referring now to FIG. 19, a motor control task will be described.

[0229] The CPU 101 predetects from which address and how wide the printarea with black data among the data stored in the print buffers 205, 206extends prior to recording, and creates a drive pattern such asaccelerate, decelerate, and stable speed (1301) (see FIG. 22). This isperformed to prevent useless operation of the carriage which may occurwhen the carriage is driven beyond the print data area. The drivepattern of the carriage is created by fast operation of the SRAM 10101in the CPU 101. The created drive pattern is stored in a carriage drivepattern area of the work area 207.

[0230] Then, the CPU determines whether or not the data stored in theprint buffer 205 or 206 is full-white data for all 64 lines (1302). Ifnot, the print flag in the work area 207 is set (1303), and a carriagedrive task is started (1304). This processing is performed until the endof carriage driving (1305). If the carriage driving is ended, a paperfeeding task is started (1306).

[0231] Herein, the motor control task is given a time of 5 msec forprocessing by the timer 10106 within the CPU 101. If the processing ofthis task is not ended after the elapse of 5 msec, the steps andvariables that have been executed are once stored in a stack area notshown within the CPU, and the next task is executed. The remainder ofthis task is performed when the time for this task is allowed later.

[0232] Referring now to FIG. 20, a carriage drive task will bedescribed.

[0233] The carriage drive task is started by the motor control task. Ifthe carriage drive task is started, the CPU 101 first makes theaccelerate control in accordance with a drive pattern of carriage (seeFIG. 22) created by the motor control task (1401). If the acceleratecontrol is ended, the CPU 101 makes stable speed control in accordancewith the drive pattern of carriage (see FIG. 22) created by the motorcontrol task (1402), and performs the recording operation (1403).

[0234] Herein, the print buffer 205, 206 has its address in theone-to-one relation with the location in the scan area scanned by therecording head 210. Also, the position of the recording head 9 isdetermined based on the count value of a carriage driving counter in thework area 207 for counting the number of pulses supplied to the carriagedriving pulse motor 308, with reference to a home position not shown.That is, when the carriage is moved in a direction away from the homeposition, the count value of the carriage driving counter for countingthe number of pulses supplied to the carriage driving pulse motor 308 isincremented, while when the carriage is moved in a direction back to thehome position, the count value of the carriage driving counter isdecremented in correspondence to the number of pulses supplied to thecarriage driving pulse motor. Note that this counter 4 is provided in apredetermined area of the RAM 216. Based on this count value, thecurrent position of the recording head 210 can be detected.

[0235] After issuing of a recording start signal, the recording head 9is moved from the home position, and upon detecting that the recordinghead has arrived at a position corresponding to the first columnlocation of black data, the data stored in the print buffer 1 is readout successively every 64 dots from this location, and the recording atthe first scan is performed by driving the ink discharge heaters of therecording head 9 in accordance with the data in the print buffer. In apredefined area of the work area 207, a recording width counter forsetting the number of columns corresponding to the width of black datais set, and decremented every time the data is read out from the firstcolumn location where black data reside, and recorded. This countoperation can be made by counting the pulse signal in accordance withthe number of pulses supplied to the carriage driving pulse motor. Andif the count value of this recording width counter becomes zero, the endof the first scan is determined, and the recording head is stopped atthat position. And upon the end of the first scan, the recording sheetconveying motor is driven to feed (sub-scan) the paper a lengthcorresponding to the recording width of the recording head 210.

[0236] During the recording of data at the first scan, data at thesecond scan is transferred from the receive buffer 203 to the printbuffer 206 and stored in the same manner as data at the first scantransferred. Accordingly, if the data at the second scan has beenalready stored in the print buffer 2 (206) before the end of the firstscan, the print buffer 2 (206) is switched for reading of data and theprint buffer 1 (205) for storage of data at the time when the first scanis ended, the data is read out from the print buffer 2 (206) andrecorded for the second scan in the same manner as at the first scan,and then the data at the third scan is stored in the print buffer 1(205).

[0237] If data at the second scan is not stored in the print buffer 2(206) at the time when the first scan is ended, the recording head 9waits at the print end position of the first scan until the data at thesecond scan is prepared in the print buffer 2. Also, if a predeterminedtime (e.g., 2 seconds) has elapsed during waiting, the recording head 9once returns to the home position. And if data at the second scan isprepared, the print buffer 2 (206) is switched for reading of data andthe print buffer 1 (205) for storage of data, and the data is read outfrom the print buffer 2 (206) and recorded for the second scan. Also,while the recording is performed for this second scan, data at the thirdscan is stored in the print buffer 1 (205). And the paper is fedcorrespondingly to a recording width of the recording head 210 upon theend of the second scan.

[0238] In this manner, the above-described operation is repeated whilethe print buffers 1, 2 are alternately switched between two modes forreading (recording) of data and for storage of data to record the imageof one page.

[0239] As previously described, the facsimile apparatus in thisembodiment predetects and memorizes in the RAM from which location andhow wide the black data resides among data stored in the print buffer 1(205) or 2 (206) (see step 1301).

[0240] Accordingly, in starting the next main scan after the end of thecurrent main scan, the print start position of the next main scan isdetermined by referring to the recording end position of the currentscan and the existence range of black data for the next scan, andassuming a position in the existence range of black data to which thecarriage is moved a shorter distance from the recording end position toperform the recording.

[0241] However, where data contains any line such as the ruled lineextending over two consecutive main scans, the ruled line may undergodiscrepancy if the print direction is reversed for every main scan, andtherefore the printing is controlled to take place in the samedirection, despite the recording end position and the print range of thenext main scan.

[0242] If the reading of data from the print buffers 205, 206 is ended,the decelerate control is performed (1404), and the carriage is stopped(1405). In this case, the CPU determines whether the scan direction ofcarriage is forward or not, based on a scan direction flag within thework area 207, and whether the print flag is set (1406). Herein, the CPUdetermines whether to perform the ink check process. The ink checkprocess other than during the printing will take a wasteful processingtime, decreasing the throughput of the system. Also, if the scandirection of carriage is reverse, no ink check is performed because thefalse detection may occur due to a reason as will be described later.

[0243] If the scan direction is not forward or the print flag is notset, this task is ended.

[0244] On the other hand, the scan direction is forward and the printflag is set, the ink check flag is set and this task is ended.

[0245] Herein, the carriage driving task is given a time of 5 msec forprocessing by the timer 10106 within the CPU 101. If the processing ofthis task is not ended after the elapse of 5 msec, the steps andvariables that have been executed are once stored in a stack area notshown within the CPU, and the next task is executed. The remainder ofthis task is performed when the time for this task is allowed later.

[0246] Referring now to FIG. 21, a paper feeding task will be described.

[0247] The paper feeding task is started by the motor control task. Ifthe paper feeding task is started, the CPU determines whether thecarriage is on driving (1501). If the carriage is on driving, thecarriage is not driven because the print data may be disturbed. Then,the CPU determines whether the paper is already on feeding (1502), andwhether the command is a page end command (1503). If it is not the pageend command, the paper is fed by 64 lines which is the number of nozzlesin the sub-scan direction (1504) to prepare for the next print, and thistask is ended. On the other hand, if it is the page end command, therecording sheet is exhausted into the paper exhaust unit (1507), andthis task is ended. At step 1502, if the paper is already on feeding,the CPU determines whether the paper is jammed (1505). If the paper isnot jammed, the paper is fed until the end of paper feed, while if thepaper is jammed, the printer error flag is set (1506), and this task isended.

[0248] Herein, the paper feeding task is given a time of 5 msec forprocessing by the timer 10106 within the CPU 101. If the processing ofthis task is not ended after the elapse of 5 msec, the steps andvariables that have been executed are once stored in a stack area notshown within the CPU, and the next task is executed. The remainder ofthis task is performed when the time for this task is allowed later.

[0249] Next, the ink check process will be described. The details of inkremaining amount detection are described.

[0250] The ink remaining amount can be detected, using a reflectionplate 93 and a photosensor installed inside an ink cartridge as shown inFIG. 11, based on the intensity of light which is emitted from thephotosensor 11, reflected from the reflection plate 93, and received bythe photosensor 11 again. By the way, as shown in FIG. 8, both thephotosensor 11 and the reflection plate 93 are provided along areciprocating direction (main scan direction) of the carriage 10, and asensor light receiving plane and a reflection plane thereof are disposedperpendicular to the main scan direction.

[0251]FIG. 22 is a chart showing the variation of moving speed when thecarriage 10 is moved. In particular, FIG. 22 shows the variation ofspeed where the recording head performs the recording, i.e., where thecarriage 10 makes the forward scan (this direction is referred to as aforward direction). The moving speed of carriage 9 with the inkcartridge 9 mounted thereon is varied such as from point A to point B topoint C to point D as sown in FIG. 13, when scanning in the forwarddirection.

[0252] That is, the range from point A to point B is an accelerationsection where the carriage 10 located at the home position isaccelerated at a predetermined acceleration from the rest state, withits moving speed reaching a predetermined speed (X) and becoming stable(referred to as a ramp-up). The range from point B to point C is astable speed section where the carriage 1 is moving at a stable speed(X) for the recording. The range from point C to point D is a deceleratesection where the carriage 10 with the recording head mounted afterrecording is decelerating at a predetermined negative acceleration fromthe speed (X) and stopped (referred to as a ramp-down).

[0253] In this manner, as the carriage 10 is moved, the ink cartridge 9is subject to acceleration (inertial force). Namely, in the accelerationsection from point A to point B in the forward movement (forward scan)and during deceleration in the reverse direction (backward scan), theink liquid level of the ink cartridge 9 is as shown in FIG. 23. On theother hand, in the deceleration section from point C to point D in theforward movement (forward scan) and during acceleration in the reversemovement (forward scan), the ink liquid level of the ink cartridge 9 isas shown in FIG. 24. Note that when the carriage 10 is moving at stablespeed or in the rest state, the ink liquid level of the ink cartridge 9is as shown in FIG. 11, because the ink cartridge 9 is not subject toacceleration.

[0254] In this manner, the state at the ink liquid level of the inkcartridge 9 (more correctly, the gap between the side face of inkcartridge on the side where the photosensor 11 is placed and thereflection plate 93) is varied with the movement of the carriage 10.

[0255] Therefore, it may be determined that the ink is empty at certaintiming, but remains at another timing, with the variation of ink liquidlevel, even if the remaining ink amount is the same. In other words, itmay be determined that the ink is apparently empty or remains though noink remains, with the variation of ink liquid level.

[0256] In view of above respects, either of following two controls isperformed.

[0257] (1) By detecting the ink remaining amount at each of the abovethree states while the movement of carriage is monitored, and analyzingthe result comprehensively, the ink remaining amount detection isperformed, in consideration of the variation of ink liquid level withthe movement of carriage 10. For embodiment, the detected results fromthe three states are averaged, or integrated with time for apredetermined time (for a multiplicity of scans) to conduct thecomprehensive determination.

[0258] (2) The timing control is made to detect the ink remaining amountunder the same condition of ink liquid level at any time, such that thetiming of ink remaining amount detection always occurs in a predefinedone of the above three states (e.g., a state of FIG. 8).

[0259] In either way, the obtained results are used for thedetermination whether the ink remains or not at step S1.

[0260] Accordingly, with this embodiment, the ink remain detection iseffected under the same condition of liquid level, in consideration ofthe variation in the state of ink liquid level with the movement ofcarriage, or the ink remain detection is made by estimating the statechange comprehensively, whereby the more accurate ink remaining amountdetection can be achieved. Thereby, the precise recording control can berealized in view of the ink remaining amount.

[0261] Referring now to FIGS. 25A and 25B, an ink check process will bedescribed.

[0262] The ink check process is executed by an interruption from thetimer 11011 of the gate array 110 every 5 msec. Herein, the reason whythe ink check process is performed by interruption is that the ink checkprocess can be securely performed prior to other processes at thedeceleration time optimal to the ink check process, as shown in FIGS.17A and 17B. That is, this is because when the ink check process isperformed in a series of tasks as previously described, there is thepossibility that the ink check process may be disenabled by any otherprocesses at the deceleration time optimal to the ink check process.Therefore, herein, the ink check process is performed by interruptionprior to other processes. Also, the ink check process may be performedthrough a task having higher priority than other tasks, rather than theinterruption, thereby allowing the process to be performed at thedeceleration time optimal to the ink check process.

[0263] The CPU 101 determines whether the ink check flag within the workarea 207 is set (1901). If the ink check flag is not set, this processis ended. On the other hand, if the ink check flag is set, the CPU 101determines whether ink cartridge empty is already decided, based on theink empty flag within the work area 207 (1902). If the ink cartridgeempty is already decided, this process is ended. On the other hand, ifthe ink cartridge empty is not decided, the CPU 101 determines whetherthe ink exhaustion processing flag within the work area 207 is set(1903). The ink exhaustion process will be described later. Then, theCPU 101 determines whether the process is during the decelerationperiod, based on the carriage driving pattern, carriage driving counterand recording width counter value (1904). If not, this process is ended,or otherwise, the operation proceeds to step 1905. At step 1905, the inkremaining amount is detected by means of the photosensor 11. Herein, thereflected light from the reflection plate 93 is detected three timesevery 10 msec. Herein, the medium value of three detected values isadopted as a detected value. This process is repeated 20 times for 200msec. Then, the operation proceeds to step 1906, where the CPUdetermines whether any medium value indicates that the ink is empty(1906). If no medium value indicates that the ink is empty, this processis ended, or otherwise, this process is repeated for 30 msec (3 times)to determine whether the ink empty is detected (1907). If the ink emptyis not determined three times continuously, the ink remain is assumedand this process is ended. On the other hand, if the ink empty isdetermined three times continuously, the ink empty is assumed, and theoperation proceeds to step 1908.

[0264] This ink exhaustion process (or ink long-life process) will bedescribed.

[0265] Even if the ink 91 becomes empty, the recording is made possiblefor a while by the ink soaked into a sponge 92. Therefore, the inkexhaustion process is a process of utilization the ink within the sponge92 completely by estimating the amount of ink dischargeable by which theink within the sponge 92 has been used up since the ink 91 becomesempty.

[0266] The discharge amount (consumption) of ink is obtained by countingthe ink amount discharged during the normal recording by means of an inkconsumption counter. Further, the number of recovery operations from theprevious ink check to the current ink check is counted. This isnecessary to correct for the discharge amount to include the suctionamount, because the amount of ink sucked by the recovery operation issignificantly greater than the ink consumed amount during the normalrecording.

[0267] Step 1908 is explained again.

[0268] At step 1908, the CPU determines whether the recovery operationhas been performed from the previous ink check process, based on therecovery number counter within the work area 207. If the recoveryoperation is not performed, the recovery number counter is reset (1910),the ink exhaustion process is started (1911), and this process is ended.On the other hand, if the recovery operation is performed, the inkconsumed amount counter is incremented by the count value of recoverytimes (100,000 counts for one recovery operation) to make correction,the ink exhaustion process by such recovery times is started (1910), andthis process is ended.

[0269] During the ink exhaustion process (1912), the CPU determineswhether any recovery operation is performed since the previous inkcheck, based on the recovery times counter within the work area 207(1913). If any recovery operation is performed, the operation proceedsto step 1913, where the ink consumed amount counter within the work area207 is incremented by the count value of recovery times counter (1913),and the recovery times counter is reset (1914). Then, the CPU determineswhether the ink consumed amount counter has counted the ink amountcontained within the sponge 92, based on the count value of the inkconsumed amount counter (1915). If the count value is exceeded, the inkempty flag within the work area 207 is set, and this process is ended.If not, this process is ended.

[0270] On the other hand, if no recovery operation is performed (1912),the processing at step 1915 is performed.

[0271] Referring now to FIG. 26, the ink exhaustion process isexplained.

[0272] In the background of this processing, the print counter withinthe work area 207 accumulates the data regarding the number of printeddots every time the print operation is performed.

[0273] If the ink exhaustion process is started by the ink checkprocess, the CPU determines whether the count value of the print amountcounter is equal to zero (2001), and if not zero, the count value of theprint amount counter is added to the count value of the ink consumedamount counter (2002). Then, the print amount counter is reset (2003),and this process is ended.

[0274] As will be understood from the above explanation, the necessarytask is only started at the required time so as to allow only necessarytasks to be performed faster.

[0275] Also, because the processing is not occupied by one task, theeffective distributed process can be made.

[0276] As the method of detecting the ink remaining amount, a method ofascertaining that a certain mark has been recorded at a predefinedposition on the recording sheet, or a method of detecting the dischargedink by discharging the ink at a predetermined position can be includedin the present invention, as far as the timing of lighting up the lightsource or the timing of detection is controlled as in this application.

[0277] As above described, it is possible to provide a low price, small,and fast processing facsimile apparatus and a facsimile control method.

[0278] Also, with one control means, the facsimile unit and the printerunit can be controlled.

[0279] Further, the image memory for conversion and recording can beconstituted of one storage. Further, the work area for image control andrecording control can be commonly used, whereby the wasteful area can beeliminated.

[0280] Furthermore, in the facsimile apparatus having a recording headof shuttle type, the recording process and the receiving process can beperformed in real time at high speed.

[0281] Also, the detection of consumable goods such as the ink can beperformed at the optimal time.

[0282] Furthermore, the time of lighting up the light source for the inkremaining amount detection is optimized to prevent aging deteriorationof the light source to the utmost.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image communication apparatus comprising:memory means accessed by a CPU; reading means for reading an original;coding/decoding means for coding and decoding image data; communicationmeans for transmitting and receiving image data; resolution conversionmeans for converting the resolution of image; H-V conversion means ofimage; and recording means for performing the ink jet recording, whereinthe control of each said means is performed by the CPU.
 2. An imagecommunication apparatus with recording means for performing the ink jetrecording, comprising: a CPU for controlling the whole apparatus; memorymeans accessed by the CPU; reading means for reading an original;coding/decoding means for coding and decoding image data; communicationmeans for transmitting and receiving image data; resolution conversionmeans for converting the resolution of image; and H-V conversion means,wherein said CPU performs in time division a recording process and otherprocesses through a task.
 3. An image communication apparatus withrecording means for performing the ink jet recording, comprising: a CPUfor controlling the whole apparatus; memory means accessed by the CPU;reading means for reading an original; coding/decoding means for codingand decoding image data; communication means for transmitting andreceiving image data; resolution conversion means for converting theresolution of image; and H-V conversion means for image, whereinrun-length/raw data conversion means and raw data parallel/serialconversion means are provided within said coding/decoding means, eitherof said two conversion means being selected by switch means andconnected to said resolution conversion means, and said two conversionmeans are switched by switch means within a processing of one line. 4.An image communication apparatus with recording means for performing theink jet recording, comprising: a CPU for controlling the wholeapparatus; memory means accessed by the CPU; reading means for readingan original; coding/decoding means for coding and decoding image data;communication means for transmitting and receiving image data;resolution conversion means for converting the resolution of image; andH-V conversion means of image, wherein run-length/raw data conversionmeans and raw data parallel/serial conversion means are provided withinsaid coding/decoding means, either of said two conversion means beingselected by switch means and connected to said resolution conversionmeans, and data of one line is expanded into raster data withoutaddition of a command thereto.
 5. An image communication apparatusaccording to claim 4, wherein in a copying mode during recording by saidrecording means, data is subjected to conversion of resolutionconformable to recording means by an image processor within said readingmeans, and expanded into raster data without the use of said resolutionconversion means.
 6. An image communication apparatus with recordingmeans for performing the ink jet recording, comprising: a CPU forcontrolling the whole apparatus; memory means accessed by the CPU,reading means for reading an original; coding/decoding means for codingand decoding image data; communication means for transmitting andreceiving image data; resolution conversion means for converting theresolution of image; H-V conversion means of image; and host interfacemeans, wherein when recording data from a host apparatus via said hostinterface means, data is expanded into raster data by analyzing acommand, while when recording a transmit image, data is directlyexpanded into raster data without analyzing the command.
 7. An imagecommunication apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving animage; recording means for recording the image; recording head controlmeans for controlling the operation of a recording head; and controlmeans for controlling the whole apparatus, wherein said control meansperforms the parallel processing of said receiving means, said recordingmeans and said recording head control means.
 8. An image communicationapparatus according to claim 7, wherein said recording head is arecording head of shuttle type.
 9. An image communication apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein said receiving means comprises memorizingmeans for memorizing an image received from the line, and decoding meansfor decoding said image, said recording means comprises first buffermeans for temporarily accumulating said image, and second buffer meansfor accumulating H-V converted data into which data of said first buffermeans is H-V converted, and said recording head control means comprisesrecording control means for reading and recording data within saidsecond buffer means in accordance with the position of said recordinghead.
 10. An image communication apparatus comprising: receiving meansfor receiving an image; recording means for recording the image;recording head control means for controlling the operation of arecording head; first accumulation means for accumulating receivedimage; second accumulation means for accumulating at least a part ofsaid received image for the recording; and third accumulation means foraccumulating the parameters for controlling the operation of saidrecording head, wherein said first, second and third accumulation meansare constituted by a single accumulator.
 11. An image communicationapparatus according to claim 10, wherein said recording head is arecording head of shuttle type.
 12. An image communication apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein said third accumulation means comprisesfirst management means for managing first accumulation means and secondmanagement means for managing second accumulation means.
 13. An imagecommunication apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said secondaccumulation means comprises first buffer means for temporarilyaccumulating an image transferred from said first accumulation means andsecond buffer means for accumulating H-V converted data into which datain said first buffer means is H-V converted.
 14. An image communicationapparatus according to claim 13, wherein said recording head controlmeans comprises recording control means for reading and recording datain said second buffer means in accordance with the position of saidrecording head.
 15. An image communication apparatus according to claim11, further comprising resolution conversion means for converting saidreceived image into a resolution of said recording head.
 16. An imagecommunication apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving animage; recording means for recording the image; recording head controlmeans for controlling the operation of a recording head; recordingmedium detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of arecording medium; and control means for controlling the whole apparatus,wherein said control means controls said recording medium detectingmeans to operate prior to other means.
 17. An image communicationapparatus according to claim 16, wherein said control means performs theparallel processing of said receiving means, said recording means, andsaid recording head control means.
 18. An image communication apparatusaccording to claim 16, wherein said recording head is a recording headof shuttle type.
 19. An image communication apparatus comprising:receiving means for receiving an image; recording means for recordingthe image; recording head control means for controlling the operation ofa recording head; recording medium detecting means for detecting thepresence or absence of consumable goods; and control means forcontrolling the whole apparatus, wherein said control means controls thedetection of said consumable goods to occur at optimal time to detectthe presence or absence of said consumable goods.
 20. An imagecommunication apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said controlmeans performs the parallel processing of said receiving means, saidrecording means and said recording head control means.
 21. An imagecommunication apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said recordinghead is a recording head of shuttle type.
 22. An image communicationapparatus according to claim 21, wherein said optimal time is in aperiod for which the recording head is subject to deceleration.
 23. Animage communication apparatus comprising: receiving means for receivingan image; recording means for recording the image; recording headcontrol means for controlling the operation of a recording head;consumable goods detecting means for detecting the presence or absenceof consumable goods; light source means for detecting consumable goods;and control means for controlling the whole apparatus, wherein saidcontrol means controls said light source to be lit up so that thedetection of said consumable goods be performed at optimal time todetect the presence or absence of said consumable goods.
 24. An imagecommunication apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said controlmeans controls said light source to lit up after the received image hasbeen recorded.
 25. A control method for an image communication apparatuscomprising: receiving an image; recording the image; and controlling theoperation of a recording head, wherein said receiving step, saidrecording step and said recording head control step are subjected toparallel processing under control of common control means.
 26. A controlmethod for an image communication apparatus according to claim 25,wherein said recording head is a recording head of shuttle type.
 27. Acontrol method for an image communication apparatus according to claim25, wherein said receiving step comprises a memorizing step formemorizing an image received from the line and a decoding step fordecoding said image, said recording step comprises a first accumulationstep for temporarily accumulating said image, and a second accumulationstep for accumulating H-V converted data into which data accumulated atsaid first accumulation step is H-V converted, and said recording headcontrol step comprises a recording control step for reading andrecording data in said second buffer means in accordance with theposition of said recording head.
 28. A control method for an imagecommunication apparatus comprising: receiving an image; recording theimage; controlling the operation of a recording head; and detecting thepresence or absence of consumable goods, wherein said consumable goodsdetecting step is given priority over other processes.
 29. A controlmethod for an image communication apparatus according to claim 28,wherein said receiving step, said recording step and said recording headcontrol step are subject to parallel processing under control of commoncontrol means.
 30. A control method for an image communication apparatusaccording to claim 28, wherein said recording head is a recording headof shuttle type.